A woman who stole money to pay restitution for a previous embezzlement was given another chance by a Burlington judge — this time to potentially clear her record of two felony charges.

Kiana Donegan, 24, of South Burlington was handed another five-year deferred sentence on Thursday in Vermont Superior Court. She had received the same sentence for a first embezzlement conviction in 2013, but the two sentences were aligned on Thursday to expire at the same time.

If Donegan stays out of trouble for five years and abides by her terms of probation, she could have both felony convictions wiped from her record. The sentence was agreed upon by prosecutors and Donegan's lawyer as part of a plea deal.

Kupersmith also ordered that Donegan undergo both mental health and alcohol counseling, complete 100 hours of community service, and disclose her court record to other potential employers for jobs in which she would handle money.

"Frankly, I don't think you're going to get another chance after this," Kupersmith told Donegan.

Donegan stayed silent throughout the hearing, declining to say anything when given the chance. Donegan's lawyer David Kirby has said his client was in the midst of a "personality disintegration" when the crimes were committed.

Donegan's grandparents came to Vermont Superior Court on Thursday with checks, paying more than $70,000 of restitution to Pinewood Development, LLC. Donegan's lawyer David Kirby said the grandparents agreed to front the payment if the sentence did not carry a prison time component.

Donegan pleaded guilty last November to embezzlement from Pinewood Development, LLC, while another charge of embezzlement and a forgery count were dropped. The accusation that she violated probation from the previous case was also dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Chittenden County Deputy State's Attorney Bram Kranichfeld said the sentence was the best way to ensure the business owner, Brian Marcotte, was "made whole again."

Kupersmith accepted the sentence, though he said he did not agree with it, likening the sentence to buying one's way out of punishment.

"Most people only get one second chance, and you've got two second chances" Kupersmith said. "Most people who come through this court do not have the kinds of resources you have. ... It's up to you to take advantage of those resources before you find yourself in this type of situation again."

After the hearing, Marcotte said he did not agree with the sentence Donegan received, but that his "hands were tied" as a small business owner needing the money. Marcotte said he had not been aware of the first embezzlement when he hired Donegan, and said he wishes there was a state list of convicted embezzlers.

"Vermont is leading the nation in this crime, and it's an epidemic," he said. "We really need to address that, and it starts with some serious punishment to fit the crime, because we need more of a deterrent."

Marcotte said he was not surprised by the "lack of remorse" Donegan showed in court. He said he and his business are trying to move forward.

"It's like Fort Knox over here," Marcotte said of his business.

Court papers state that Donegan stole slightly more than $100,000 from the Essex business.

Donegan had also in October 2013 pleaded guilty to embezzlement from Tempo Home Furnishings in Shelburne. In both cases, Donegan had worked as the business' bookkeeper.

Tempo owner Dick Matheson wrote in an email to the Burlington Free Press that Donegan had helped discover and investigate a case of embezzlement and stolen furniture by the person who served as bookkeeper before she did.

In total, Donegan has stolen at least $170,000 from the two businesses.

Contact Elizabeth Murray at 651-4835 or emurray@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LizMurraySMC.